All the works on the program connect in some way to flight — the magic, the struggle and the fall. The idea sprang out of artistic director Sophia Torres' fascination with flight from creating shadow birds on the bedroom wall to propelling the body into the air on the playground swing.

In a recently published study tracking cliff swallows, it was suggested that birds have evolved to better contend with urbanization. Adjustments in Flight takes on this idea of quick maneuvering to adapt to unexpected changes. Set to music by Max Richter and Zoe Keating, the piece evokes images of nesting, perching and flocking.

In fly fishing, fishermen speak about channel changing flows, sweepers and strong river currents that can happen even in calf deep water. The idea of trying to keep your balance while at the same time cast and catch a fish is the inspiration behind Wading While Falling.

Ground Swell premiered this spring at the University of Houston. The initial concept emerged from studying underwater storms, earthquakes and the shifting of tectonic plates. This deep water churning creates waves that swell up, gain momentum then force their way toward the shorelines.

Taking Flight features dancers Stephanie Beall, Alisa Caldwell, Danielle Koblinski, Taylor McAnulty, Teresa Muller, Tory Pierce and Arielle Rojas.